Soultenders

Arcadia

Director

Wendy Ludecke Selevitch, PhD

I graduated from Pacifica Graduate Institute with a Masters degree in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Depth Psychology and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. I am a member of CAMFT (California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists), CPA (California Psychological Association) and the APA (American Psychological Association). I am a Licensed Clinical  Psychologist (PSY 22818) with the State Board of Psychology and a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist (License Number MFC 38430) with the California State Board of Behavioral Sciences.

I have a special interest in working with couples and families and I am very interested in doing Dream Work with my individual clients. Much of the therapeutic work I do is based on the theories of Carl Jung, Joseph Campbell, James Hillman, and other psychologists having a Depth Psychology perspective. However, I do balance my practice using other therapeutic techniques from other theorists as well. It is not so important for me to apply a certain theory or my own beliefs on a client but instead it is my intention to really understand my clients’ own personal beliefs and expectations of therapy. This aids in personalizing each individuals’ therapy sessions in order to create a comfortable environment in which my clients feel they can express themselves.

Competent therapists do not offer solutions or take sides. They help clients work out solutions according to individual values and lifestyles. Seeking professional assistance is a sign of courage and a willingness to deal with life’s many changes.

Manager and Arcadia Site Supervisor

Maureen Leigh, LMFT

As individuals we all yearn to connect and be part of a relationship. We are products of our families, never learning the necessary tools to be in a healthy relationship. Our blocks prevent us to grow. All relationships are not perfect but if we do not take the time to learn about ourselves, we will go into a relationship less whole than when we were alone. Therapy takes time and having a safe place to allow that process to unfold is just as crucial as the desire to change.

Having over 10 years of training working with domestic violence / anger management for Court ordered offenders and victims of abuse, I have seen firsthand how the dynamics of relationships operate. One cannot change until they are able to take responsibility for oneself and the choices they make in their lives. Sometimes it becomes blurred in terms of how one expresses their individuality and the roles become entangled that we get lost in an unhealthy relationship. We can’t grow until we take the time to learn about ourselves. My approach comes from an insight oriented, awareness of one’s family of origin dynamics, and how we carry forth and repeat patterns in our current day. Without the chance to reflect, we accept how we are without challenging it, but therapy opens up the mind to go beyond and become who we fully are capable of being.

In addition to working with domestic violence, my experience also extends towards child abuse (physical and sexual abuse). I am certified in the Systematic Training for Effective Parenting approach. Currently I provide parenting classes and have a weekly, ongoing women’s Divorce support group. I am specifically interested in couples work and marital therapy, following the works of John Gottman, Ellyn Bader and Peter Pearson.

I completed my undergraduate work in psychology at the University of Southern California and then went on to pursue my graduate training at California State University, Los Angeles. I hold a Marriage & Family Therapist license (License Number MFC# 38671) with the California State Board of Behavioral Sciences and a member of the California Association of Marriage & Family Therapists.

Licensed Therapist

Magena Ammen

I received my Bachelor’s degree at Humboldt State University where my studies focused on the field of psychology and went on to complete a Master’s level education in clinical psychology at Cal Poly University in San Luis Obispo. Working with domestic violence and sexual assault survivors, families afflicted by trauma, and people suffering from addiction and co-occurring disorders has given me a wide range of experience.
My specialty is working with trauma. Trauma has been defined as any negative experience in life causing havoc in relationships and other aspects of daily life. Given this broad definition, it allows me to work with those affected by every day stress, anxiety, depression, addiction and other compulsive behaviors, relationship issues, codependency, co-occurring disorders, and more. I find great value in helping others locate an integrated and authentic self through the use of many different therapies, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Gottman Method couples therapy. Collaboration, creativity, and fun are integral to my work.

Associate Therapist

Adriana Avila, AMFT

I graduated from the University of La Verne in 2013 with an M.S, and I have been doing work in the mental health field since 2010. My experience started at Project Sister where I assisted survivors of sexual abuse (children, males, females, transgender, and other populations). I have also obtained experience through community mental health at Foothill Family where I had the opportunity to help those with substance use, PTSD, depression, anxiety, parenting skills, grandparents, transgender youth, foster youth, probation youth, self-harm behaviors, disruptive behaviors, and children and adolescents in the school and home setting. I have also gained experience working in intensive services, known as Wraparound and FSP; which allowed me to further gain experience in treating those in immediate crisis situations (i.e., suicidality). I believe in individualizing treatment to fit the needs of the individual and their families, and helping through the healing process. I speak Spanish, and would love to utilize my skill with those in need of a Spanish speaking therapist. I also love working with children, and providing them a safe environment to process their feelings, along with their parents.

I love learning, and on my spare time I enjoy doing research, and volunteering in school settings with elementary students in first grade, second grade, and special education students. I aspire to be a doctor in Clinical Psychology, and as such I continuously expand my knowledge by attending trainings, doing research at local universities, and attend conferences. I look forward to providing my clients a safe environment, and provide the support needed. I am working on gathering my hours and I am an MFTI-79331, and I am being supervised under Dr. Jennifer Pruitt.

Licensed Therapist

Aida Colocho

Life can be full of stresses that impact us in a way that stalls our progress and changes our path in life. This can create difficulties in developing and maintaining healthy relationships. I provide a safe space with an empathetic approach to help guide you through these moments that can cause a great deal of pain. I help overcome challenges to find a way to redirect your life on to a path of positive change and well-being. I work with Adolescents, Adults, older Adults and families struggling with issues ranging from Depression, Anxiety, Interpersonal difficulties, Trauma and Life Transitions.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 5 years of experience and I am bilingual (Spanish/English). I am trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. I have experience working with persons who suffer with Adjustment Disorders, Dual Diagnosis, Depression, Anxiety, Victims of Domestic Violence and Trauma. I completed my undergraduate and graduate studies at California State University of Northridge, where I received a Masters in Social Work. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LIC# 86181) with the California State Board of Behavioral Sciences.
My goal is to help individuals gain awareness of their inner strength and resilience to overcome life’s challenges. Seeking help when times are difficult is a first step on to the path of healing. Empowering my clients to find healthy insight to their own obstacles is a passion of mine and welcome the opportunity to connect with you and be able to help you through each step in the healing process.

Associate Therapist

Janelle de Veyra, AMFT

I believe working with trauma is both critical and a catalyst for change in the community. I find that each individual’s unique narrative impacts the collective unconscious that we all have the ability to tap into and work with. I specialize in working with empaths, which are people who soak up the emotions of others like a sponge, and give the the opportunity to release excess energies they have been carrying intentionally and unintentionally, differentiating what is truly their own experience versus the feelings, expectations, problems of their closest relationships. My mission as a therapist is to bridge the world of the subconscious and clinical psychology together to empower individuals to live in alignment with their highest purpose. My passion is learning all I can about what it means to be both human and divine- the sacred part of us that has the ability to co-create our own reality; truly experiencing life in this world, making connections, overcoming traumas, and ascending over obstacles that elevate our relationship to the human spirit and one another. My goal is to work with clients in seeking awareness and truth of their authentic selves and their roles in impacting universal consciousness that connects us all.

My favorite specialization is dreamwork or dream tending, where we make the dream come alive in the room and develop a relationship with the psyche. My therapeutic approach stems from depth psychology, psychodynamic, psychoanalytic, humanistic, existential, and solution-focused orientations. I guide others to posses the ability to see the bigger picture of situations, the ability to communicate feelings, and the empowerment to express themselves by encouragement. We delve into the past to find the source of the situation, identifying patterns in life that keep you on a constant loop, shift them with awareness and insight, and reprogram outdated modes of thinking or unwanted reoccurring situations with positive intention placed into a practice that is both practical and strategic, in a way that works for the person. I have experience working with anxiety, depression, crisis interventions, suicide prevention, PTSD, self-harm, social boundaries, and communication skills acquired from working with adolescents and their families in a low-income charter school non-profit organization.

I received my Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy from Mount Saint Mary’s University. I am a member of CAMFT (California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists). I am registered with the Board of Behavioral Sciences as an Associate of Marriage and Family Therapist AMFT #109589, practicing in the Arcadia Office, supervised under Dr. Jennifer Pruitt, Psy.D License #2009125.

Psychologist

Vanui Giltaji, PsyD

My approach is rooted in the belief that healing and positive change are possible in a nurturing therapeutic environment. I specialize in working with individuals to overcome depression, anxiety, and stress in an integrative and holistic manner. Utilizing a variety of techniques, I am able to create an individualized experience designed to tap into the unique internal resources of each client. I incorporate mindfulness and meditative practices into my work with families, couples, and individuals. My goal is to help clients achieve a life rich with joy and fulfillment.

After graduating from UC San Diego with a B.S. in Psychology, I completed a doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Alliant International University. I am a Licensed Psychologist with the Ca Board of Psychology (PSY26826). I am able to offer therapy and psychodiagnostic assessment services in English and Armenian to children and adults presenting with a wide range of issues. I am located at the Arcadia office.

Licensed Therapist

Michael “Sean” Greener

Are negative thoughts and self-doubt cluttering your mind day in and day out keeping you from living the life you want? Sleepless nights filled with nagging feelings of worry, unbearable sadness, and disappointment as you dread the next day? Feeling lonely because no one hears you or if they do they don’t understand?Maybe you need some space.… Maybe you need a space.A space where it’s okay to be imperfect…where it’s okay to be human. Therapy can be that place. I can help. Together, in a nurturing, safe, and non-judgmental space, I can help you clear those negative thoughts, build your confidence, and get to the bottom of what’s keeping you stuck. We’ll discover and use your strengths to help you cope with difficult emotions so you can get a good night’s sleep and look forward to the next day, month and year.If that sounds like something you want…something you need, then go ahead and give a call and let’s see if this whole therapy thing is the right fit for you.LICENSURE: • Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW#83054)EDUCATION: • Masters in Clinical Social Work (Boston University) • Masters in Organizational Leadership (Azusa Pacific University) • Masters in Music (UCLA)TRAINING: • Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT) • Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) • Managing and Adapting Practices (MAP) • Depression Treatment Quality Improvement (DTQI)

Licensed Therapist

Sareen Hacopians

My specialty is in addiction, compulsive disorders and other mental health concerns. I have worked hard to help all my clients understand their own traumas, and find healing from broken attachments that create current pains. It is my goal to help families find healing as well, because the home is where the heart is! Healing starts with everyone living in the home, not just the individual who is identifying their symptoms of concern. My experience includes cultural and sexual diversity, finding meaning in life, and working towards a peaceful existence.  I work collaboratively with my clients on searching for answers to unresolved questions. Inner conflicts create anxiety and depression, and it is my goal to help each individual find peace within themselves.It is my goal to work with individuals, couples and families to find healing so that happiness is achieved.

Psychologist

Ray Hwang, PsyD

I completed my Bachelor’s Degree in Biological Sciences at the University of Southern California, and a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology at Antioch University Los Angeles. I graduated from Antioch University Santa Barbara with a Doctorate of Psychology Degree in Clinical Psychology with emphases on family systems and family forensics. I am a member of the American Psychological Association (APA) and a licensed psychologist (PSY 27910) with the California Board of Psychology.

I have a keen interest in facilitating my clients’ understanding ofthe potential issues adversely affecting their mental health byexploring the dynamics involved in the interplay between theirinternal forces and factors in their external environments. My goal is to promote the well-being of my clients by encouraging and supporting their development of coping skills, perspective taking, confidence and competence, acknowledgment and acceptance of self, mindfulness, and insights as they engage fully and actively in the therapeutic endeavors. I have experience working with clients from a diverse ethnic, racial and cultural backgrounds. I have conducted individual, couples, family, and group sessions using a wide array of interventions from a range of therapeutic modalities to address issues related to adjustment, acculturation, anxiety, depression, life transitions, loss and grief, trauma, self-esteem, communication, intergenerational/parent-child/relational difficulties, and other behavioral or mental health problems.

I am a therapist with an integrative style and trained in a scholar-practitioner model in the field of clinical psychology. I am particularly sensitive and attuned to the multifaceted influences that shape, reinforce, or perpetuate the individuals’ physical, psychological and emotional experiences. I feel treatments must be individually focused and take into account all relevant content and contextual aspects affecting the individuals in order to be most effective, even though manualized or standardized protocols may afford the clients well intended guidance and structure to address the targeted issues at hand. I strive to work with my clients to identify constructive meanings or narratives of their personal experiences. My goal is to provide support and nurturance on their paths for self discovery and healing, and to encourage their taking the important and pertinent steps to affect positive and sustained change and growth. This may include the transformation and transcendence, not only within the context or scope of their respective selves, but also in the extent of their interpersonal relationships as well.

Associate Therapist

Therese Lee, AMFT

“There are times where our lives and our experiences make us forget how wonderful we are as human beings.” You might have deep wounds that you carry on your shoulders. You might have certain beliefs about yourself- how you make sense in the world in which we live, and are troubled by them. You might be struggling with everyday life and need support in how to navigate it. Wherever you are in this Journey of life; I welcome you with an open heart and offer you a safe and non-judgmental space to heal and grow.

My therapy approach is Person centered, insight oriented, solution focused and with an understanding of family dynamics and origin. I have experience working with Trauma, Depression, Anxiety, Grief work, Family and Couples work. I specialize in aiding clients with spiritual development and incorporating it with their life transitions and individuation

I received my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of California Irvine and my Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from California Lutheran University. I am a member of CAMFT (California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists). I am registered with the Board of Behavioral Sciences as an Assoicate Marriage and Family Therapist AMFT#92732, supervised under Maureen Leigh, LMFT 38671

Associate Therapist

Cari Lu, AMFT

Hey you, yes you! You are truly remarkable and the steps you have taken to get this far to seek help and to advocate for yourself deserves an applause. Finding your own personal fit in therapy is important because you need to feel comfortable working closely with someone as you grow to tackle on life and its many obstacles. I would be honored to be apart of your journey, to hear you out and to create a safe space for you to feel at ease while you work on nourishing your mental wellbeing.

I believe therapy is a collaborative process and building strong relationships and rapport in the beginning stages of treatment will allow you to feel comfortable and will truly allow the therapeutic relationship to be the foundation for when challenges arise. The flexibility of incorporating a multitude of interventions and theories provides the most beneficial experience and as your therapist, I will empower you to make positive changes in your life. I understand that making any changes in your life may be difficult, but I am ready to support you along the way with an approach that is direct, non-judgmental and compassionate.

Arcadia office, under the supervision of Wendy Selevitch, Ph.D, LMFT (PSY 22818).

Licensed Therapist

Katy Niles

Katy has been practicing for the last 4 years but has been assisting, mentoring, and guiding others in various avenues for the last 12 yrs. Katy has spent her recent time working with families and children, but very much enjoys working with individuals who are looking to improve their lives. Her specialty includes a myriad of issues including depression, anxiety, life transitions, nonactive addictions, ADHD, selective mutism, bipolar, and LGBTQ+.

Licensed Therapist

Irina Strekalova

Who I am and how I work

I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT #44632) in a private practice in Arcadia, CA. I work with individuals, couples and families. I assist children and adults through life’s transitions and challenges that can potentially lead to depression, anxiety, low self-image, decreased self-confidence, or behaviors they would like to change. I work with couples who want to improve their relationships and those considering marriage or separation. We will work together to figure out where you are, where you want to be, and how you can get there. I provide childhood and relationship trauma treatment if necessary to help individuals heal and move on in life.I find that cognitive-behavioral and solution-focused therapy in conjunction with mindfulness, behavior modification, EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing), TRM (trauma resiliency model) works well for most people. My approach is integrative and tailored to each individual or couple. My goal is to assist you in developing skills and strategies that you can use to bring about realistic and positive changes in your life.

My background

I grew up in Ukraine, then studied and lived in Moscow, Russia, before moving to the USA in 1994. I have two master degrees in psychology: one from Moscow State University, another from New York University. I started practicing psychotherapy in 1999 in Houston, TX, with individuals who suffered chronic pain. Since 2004 I work in Los Angeles, CA, with children, adolescents, and adults.

Professional affiliations

Trauma Resource Institute, EMDR International Association, Tourette Association of America, California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT), and San Gabriel Chapter of CAMFT.

Personal

I like to travel, read, hike, dance, and paint in watercolor. I speak Russian and Ukrainian.

Associate Therapist

Douglas Tu, ACSW

I have worked with a diverse array of populations such as domestic violence-survivors, undocumented immigrants, individuals struggling with major depression and anxiety, the elderly, teenagers and transitional-age youth. I am experienced in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy and grief counseling.

I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from UC Santa Barbara, where I also minored in Applied Psychology. I studied how intersections of gender, race and class influence individuals in a variety of different ways. Particularly, I studied how cultural norms affected mental health services available to the Asian American community. I then received my Masters in Social Work from CSU Los Angeles where I studied how socioeconomic factors influence father involvement. I am registered with the Board of Behavioral Sciences as an Associate Clinical Social Worker (#83802), and I am supervised by Kristine Adamian, LCSW.

Therapy may be a journey towards healing but it is not always easy, especially when one is implored to dig deep into what has made them the person they are today. As a therapist who takes a strengths-based approach to clients, I will offer nothing less than my unconditional positive regard. However I am not afraid to challenge clients to become the great people they are always meant to be. With enough hard work and dedication, I believe all human beings have the capacity to perform great feats.

“A future is not given to you. It is something you must take for yourself.” -Unknown

Psychologist

Emily Dalton

Everyone needs to be seen and heard. Sometimes, therapy is just that–a place where we are seen and heard. Other times, therapy delves deeper into our lives, our past, and our emotions. Therapy can also be a place to obtain skills, tools, and resources. Therapy has many shapes and forms. Each client has specific needs and it is my job to work alongside my clients in order to help meet those needs. I provide a therapeutic relationship that works to support clients in the best way possible and build upon client strengths. Along with therapy, I am also trained in psychological testing. This can be an excellent enhancement to therapy by providing further insight into a client’s challenges and strengths.

I am a licensed psychologist with training in multicultural and community psychology. I obtained my bachelor’s degree in psychology from Scripps College and both my master’s and doctoral degrees in clinical psychology from California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University. I have experience working with children, adolescents, parents and families in an intensive setting and have also worked with adult clients in various settings. I have experience treating anxiety, depression, ADHD, anger issues, personality disorders, crisis, and trauma. I have worked with many clients on behavioral difficulties, grief and loss, school difficulties, and parenting. I have research and treatment experience with gender diversity and have worked with many LGBTQ clients.

A good fit is important in therapy. Developing a safe and comfortable relationship with my clients is of utmost importance. I am here to help my clients be seen and heard and to become their best selves.

Licensed Therapist

Claudia Reyes

I am a bilingual Spanish Speaking therapist. I aim to co-create a supportive & healing environment with you and serve as a guide towards achieving your goals and meeting your needs. Starting therapy can be difficult at times and for that reason I aim to create a therapeutic environment that is warm and healing. It’s very important to me to offer cultural centered therapy to people with diverse and intersecting identities, such as: Latinx, indigenous, people of color, immigrant, and LGBTQ. People who I work with are encouraged to reconnect to their natural healing abilities and cultural practices. I believe that I provide guidance and neutral support to help you better understand yourself, improve communication, identify unhealthy patterns, and make positive life changes. I specialize in supporting the healing work of individuals, teens, parents, couples, and families experiencing relational difficulties due to traumatic life experiences.

Tailoring therapy to each person is important, which is why I have provided a number of specialized therapeutic services to individuals dealing with challenging life experiences. My philosophy in therapy lies in integrating: mind, body, and spirit. I’m a certified Cognitive Behavioral Therapist from the Academy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy along with many other clinical certifications. I also have experience in the following: Depression, Anxiety, Codependency, Couples, Irritability and Anger Management, LGBTQ issues, Divorce, Adjustments, Blended Family Needs, Communication Problems, Grief & Loss, Multicultural Concerns, Oppositional Behaviors, and Trauma.

I completed my Masters of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from Loma Linda University in 2010. In 2014, I received my licensure through the California State Board of Behavioral Sciences, becoming a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. With over 10 years of experience working with individuals, teens, parents, couples, and families I am passionate about helping you rediscover your inner voice.

Hablo español:

Soy un terapeuta Latina de habla inglés y español. Mi objetivo es cocrear un ambiente de apoyo y curación con usted y servir como guía para lograr sus objetivos y satisfacer sus necesidades. A veces comenzar la terapia puede ser difícil y por eso pretendo crear un ambiente terapéutico que sea curativo. Para mí es muy importante ofrecer una terapia centrada en la cultura a personas con identidades diversas e interrelacionadas, como: latinx, indígenas, personas de color, inmigrantes y LGBTQ. Creo que proporciono orientación y apoyo neutral para ayudarlo a comprenderse mejor, mejorar la comunicación, identificar patrones poco saludables y hacer cambios positivos en la vida. Me especializo en apoyar el trabajo de mejorar las vidas de individuos, adolescentes, padres, parejas y familias que experimentan dificultades relacionales debido a experiencias traumáticas de la vida.

Licensed Therapist

Kyle Ballentine

I use a variety of theories in therapy as needed but focus on Cognitive Behavioral (CBT) and a Humanistic approach.  I strive to provide an extremely accepting environment with all my clients.  That’s what I love about therapy; nothing is taboo and it’s a place we can discuss anything in our lives. It’s important to be understood and heard, so I hope I can provide that for you while we find some practical steps to improve how you cope with life.

Personal interests include animals, art, comedy, games, science, and how our weird brains work.